COMPOSERS: Mahler
LABELS: Teldec M-line
WORKS: Symphony No. 5
PERFORMER: New York PO/Zubin Mehta
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-97441-2 DDD (1990)
Mehta’s approach here is typically theatrical, with a dash of not unbecoming vulgarity, appropriately matched to the lurid brilliance of the New York Philharmonic brass. Right from the hard-as-nails opening trumpet solo, it is their contribution which gives this issue its real charisma. The recorded sound gives them plenty of weight and presence (I like the rather tubby horns in the Scherzo – others may not). This is fine, then, so long as you don’t expect much between-the-lines subtlety from the rest of the orchestra. David Nice
Mahler: Symphony No. 5
Mehta’s approach here is typically theatrical, with a dash of not unbecoming vulgarity, appropriately matched to the lurid brilliance of the New York Philharmonic brass. Right from the hard-as-nails opening trumpet solo, it is their contribution which gives this issue its real charisma. The recorded sound gives them plenty of weight and presence (I like the rather tubby horns in the Scherzo – others may not). This is fine, then, so long as you don’t expect much between-the-lines subtlety from the rest of the orchestra. David Nice
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm